Rajon Rondo’s injury puts Bulls’ upset bid over Celtics in jeopardy

Rajon Rondo has a fractured right thumb and will be out indefinitely, the Bulls announced Friday. He does not require surgery.

The injury occured in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Celtics on Tuesday, coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. He predicts the team will be without Rondo for about a week to 10 days, but added it’s “still too early to tell” if he’ll be back in the playoffs.

“We’re going to miss him,” Jimmy Butler said Friday. “The pace Cheap Rugby Jerseys New Zealand that he sets for the team, the leadership that he brings, and the way that he plays. We’ve still got to go out there. We’re expected to win. We know what we’re capable of. I guess we’re doing this for him now.”

Chicago currently holds a 2-0 series lead over Boston, becoming just the second No. 8 seed in history to steal the first two games against a No. 1 seed. Rondo played a huge role in those victories, especially in Game 2 when he had a near triple-double compiling 11 points,14 assists, nine rebounds and five steals.

His play has been elevated in the postseason, and he’s been one of the primary reasons why Chicago has a real chance to upset Boston. Without him, backup guards Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams will need to step up the most.

“Rondo’s obviously been unbelievable in the two wins that we had in Boston,” Hoiberg said. “So to get the news that we got last night was obviously very difficult. At the same time, the guys are going to get an opportunity to play more. It’s what you work for. It’s why you put so much extra time in the gym is for this opportunity.”